3 Steps to Make Money As An Artist On Instagram Now!

This Guide will help you Make Money As An Artist On Instagram

What’s best with it?

Everything is covered and working in 2023

(So, you don’t have to read out-of-date stuff)

Let’s get started without any rubbish

Step#1:  Build A Strong Instagram Presence 

I ask you when you open an Instagram account for some reason what you would look at first? someone’s profile, number of followers, and in some cases link pointing to external resources.

What does it mean?

It does mean, building a strong Instagram followers is the first thing you should consider to make money as an artist.

Your first thing to do is,

How To Set Up A Compelling Instagram Artist Profile 

As you know, setting up a compelling artist profile on Instagram is crucial for attracting and engaging with your audience.

First off, choose a memorable username and profile picture that way, people will easily remember your profile username and build long-term relationships.

For instance, let’s say your artist name is Emily Tyson and you like to create nature-inspired watercolor paintings. So consider the username @EmilyTysonArt, or your niche @WatercolorEmily. When you combine your username with your art it becomes convenient to remember.

Another factor about a profile is, to write a charming bio

Because of the limited space of 150 characters in your Instagram bio, you should describe your artistic identity concisely, and highlight your artistic style, niche,  and unique factors of your work. Include keywords relevant to your work.

Showcase your best work in the profile grid , you probably watched some Instagram profiles where people show their best work.

Instagram profile grid
Instagram profile grid

Consider displaying a mix of your most captivating and representative artwork to give visitors a taste of your talent.

If you have an external website, portfolio, or online store. Include this link in your Bio to direct visitors to further explore your work.

How To Create High-Quality Content 

To engage with your audience consistently, you must create high-quality content. Because content is the reason why someone should follow you.

Take photos from different angles to showcase different aspects and formations of your artwork.

If possible, use a DSLR or smartphone with a good camera to capture your artwork. It will allow better clarity and details.

Apply basic photography principles such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, or symmetry to create pleasing content.

When capturing a photo, adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness to ensure your artwork looks its best. But also be careful about rushing the editing

Edit artwork on Instagram
Edit artwork on Instagram

Whenever you post something, ask for opinions or encourage discussions related to your artwork in the captions. That can open up the perspectives of your followers and help you make money as an artist on Instagram.

Adopt a consistent visual theme, and choose a cohesive color, palette style, or theme that represents your art. By this approach, you can create a strong visible identity and make your content easily recognizable.

Step#2: Grow Your Instagram Followers 

Now you have done all things required for the best Instagram presence. 

Secondly, it’s time to gain followers.

Only just making content and posting cannot pull your audience and make you money. There may be many people in your niche who are publishing and also putting efforts to grow followers.

That’s why this spot is important 

If you skip this one how can you beat your competitors

How To Use Instagram Hashtags

Hashtag Is the best feature to grow your audience. By exploring potential and specific hashtags for each post. Instagram let a lot of people flock to your post, if they want they’ll also peek at your profile.

So how to find a hashtag to maximize your post reach?

Tip#1: Use Hashtag Suggestion Tools 

There are online tools that’ll help you find relevant hashtags for your post.

To find the perfect # click on the All Hashtag ( it’s a free hashtag suggestion tool)

All Hashtag has three options top, random, and live. You can choose them according to strategy.

Options on All Hashtag
Options on All Hashtag

Top Hashtag tends to be popular with a long range, Random Hashtag shows you hashtags based on the keywords you entered. Whereas Live Hashtag is one used by other users.

After getting hashtags you can press “Copy Hashtag” to copy and paste them into your post.

Tip#2: Use Instagram Explore Page

If the hashtag you chose already has been used a million times, how can someone discover your post?

To eliminate this mess, use Instagram Explore Page

To check the hashtag’s volume, search on Instagram and head to “Tags”. Then you’ll know exactly how many posts have been used with a particular hashtag. For better results, prefer to get a 10K – 200K volume hashtag.

tag section on Instagram explore page
tag section on Instagram explore page

Sometimes you’ll be amazed to know new hashtags that are not used many times before you use them.

How To Collaborate With Other Artists And Influencers

Aside from hashtags, you can collaborate with other artists or influencers in your art niche.

Look for artists or influences who have the same niche target audience as you, to ensure mutually beneficial collaboration.

When reaching out, craft personalized and genuine messages.

For instance, 

“Hi [Collaborator’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well! I’ve been a fan of your artwork for quite some time now, and I must say, your talent and creativity truly inspire me.

I’ve been brainstorming potential collaborations, and I couldn’t help but notice that our artistic styles and passions align in such a remarkable way. Your unique approach to [specific art medium or style] and the way you capture [specific theme or subject] resonates with me.

I believe that a collaboration between us could be an incredible opportunity to create something truly special. Perhaps we could explore the idea of a joint art project, where we blend our artistic techniques 

I genuinely believe that our collaboration would not only be a fantastic experience for us as artists but would also provide immense value to our respective audiences.  

I’m confident that our combined efforts would generate a buzz and captivate art enthusiasts who appreciate our shared love for [specific theme, subject, or style].

I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on collaborating. If this resonates with you, I’m excited to discuss the details and logistics further. 

Please let me know your availability, and we can arrange a time to chat more about this.

Looking forward to the possibility of working together and creating something extraordinary!

Warm regards,

[Your Name]”

Bear in mind, the above is only for an example you should write your message this’ll ensure your credibility and add a natural sense. To tailor the message to fit the specific artist or influencer you’re reaching out to. Highlight their unique qualities, and express genuine admiration.

How To Engage With Your Instagram Audience

Let’s say someone has arrived on your profile from a collaboration or hashtag.

If you are not engaging with them, they won’t get any value, or help out of you, Then they might unfollow your Instagram account and you’ll lose the possibility to make money as an artist on Instagram.

Firstly, regularly check and respond to comments on your post, and reply with genuine answers.

If possible, promptly reply to direct messages (DMs) to your followers. That’ll build trust and be helpful for you too. When you ask questions to them, they’ll be surprised to know that “he or she believes in me”.

Communicate with their specific name, don’t just say  “Thanks” instead, say “Thanks (Their name)”.

Show genuine interest in your audience, take the time to explore your Followers’ profiles, engage with their posts, and leave meaningful comments, like and reply to comments on other artists’ posts.

A Simple Trick To Increase Your Followers

Step#3: Earning Strategies For Artists On Instagram 

This is the section why you are reading this blog post, you would be or want to be an artist to sell your artwork. Right!

There are many social media platforms but Instagram has its own identity and this identity will let you get benefits and help you sell your craft.

How To Sell Artwork Directly

Now I want you to set your sales goals, such as the number of artworks you want to sell, target revenue, or specific milestones.

Research the market and consider factors like material costs and the value of your time and skill.

Prepare high-quality visuals and descriptions by capturing high-resolution, well-lit, and detailed photographs of your artwork.

So, Where’ll you sell?

Build A Dedicated Website Or Use an E-Commerce Platform

This is the way to sell your artwork directly to the people. with a website, you can have control over the design, content, and functionality.

Alternatively, E-Commerce platforms have dedicated designs specifically for you as an artist, that make it easier to set up an online store.

Here are the steps for building a dedicated website using an eCommerce platform to establish a professional online presence.

Step 1: Choose a Platform

  • Decide whether you want to build a dedicated website or use an e-commerce platform specifically designed for artists.
  • Consider options like WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, Etsy, Shopify, or ArtStoreFronts.

Step 2: Design Your Website

  • Select a visually appealing and user-friendly design that reflects your artistic style.
  • Ensure your website design is cohesive, with consistent color schemes, typography, and layout.
  • Optimize your website to be mobile-responsive for a seamless browsing experience on different devices.

Step 3: Showcase Your Artwork

  • Capture high-quality images of your artwork, focusing on details, textures, and nuances.
  • Organize your artwork into galleries or portfolios, providing a user-friendly browsing experience. 
  • Write engaging captions or descriptions for each artwork, highlighting techniques, materials, and inspirations.

Step 4: Create an Artist Statement

  • Craft an artist statement that communicates your artistic vision and style.
  • Introduce yourself and share relevant background information on an “About Me” or artist bio page.

Step 5: Enable E-commerce Functionality

  • If building a dedicated website, integrate a secure and user-friendly e-commerce system. 
  • Incorporate a shopping cart feature that allows buyers to add artwork, provide payment details, and complete purchases.
  • Clearly communicate payment options, shipping policies, and any return or refund policies.

Step 6: Optimize for Search Engines

  • Research relevant keywords related to your artwork and artistic style.
  • Incorporate these keywords throughout your website’s content, including meta tags, titles, and descriptions.
  • Regularly update your website with fresh content to improve search engine visibility.

Here’s a video for your help

Want to sell without a website?

How To Sell Art On Instagram Without A Website

To make money as an artist on Instagram, establishing a website on an E-Commerce platform can be more expensive and complex than the way I’ll show you as It takes a bit of effort to run a website 

Worry not, take a deep bread and submerge right in

1. Set Up a Business Account:

set up buisness account on Instagram

buisness account on Instagram
Set up buisness account on Instagram

  • Convert your personal Instagram account into a business account to access additional features and insights.
  • Go to your profile settings and select “Switch to Business Account.” Follow the prompts to set up your business profile.

2. Showcase Your Artwork

  • Post high-quality photos of your artwork on your Instagram feed. Invest in good lighting and composition.
  • Use captivating captions that provide details about the artwork, such as size, medium, inspiration, and pricing.
  • Create a visually consistent and cohesive aesthetic for your feed to enhance your brand image.

3. Leverage Instagram Shopping

  • Apply for Instagram Shopping as a product seller. 
  • Tag your artwork in your posts as products using Instagram’s product tagging feature. 
  • Provide pricing information and link each product tag to a checkout page or a messaging platform.

4. Utilize Third-Party E-commerce Tools

  • Use third-party tools like Linktree, Campsite, or Shorby to create a custom link in your bio.
  • Direct your followers to this link, which can serve as a landing page showcasing your available artwork and linking to purchasing options.
  • Update the link regularly to reflect new artwork or special promotions.

5. Engage with Potential Buyers

  • Provide detailed information about pricing, shipping options, and payment methods.
  • Use Instagram’s story features, such as the question sticker or polls, to gather feedback or gauge interest in specific artworks.

6. Host Instagram Live Sales or Auctions

  • Use Instagram’s Live feature to host live sales events or auctions, where you can showcase and sell your artwork in real time.
  • Promote the event beforehand, share sneak peeks of the artwork, and interact with viewers during the live session.

7. Utilize Instagram Stories Highlights

  • Create dedicated highlights on your profile for available artwork, showcasing each piece with its price and relevant details.
  • Make it easy for followers to browse and refer back to your available artwork.

Recommended: 500 Instagram Followers? Make Money Now!

Bonus Tip#: Maximize Success And Growth

Now above all steps can only give you mediocre results because all people have followed and learned something from these steps.

So how can you stand out from them, do you want to know?

Well, that’s why I included this additional step on how to achieve maximum results and get the most out of Instagram.

Use Instagram Insights And Matrices

Analyzing Instagram insights and metrics is crucial for understanding the performance of your content, identifying audience behavior, and optimizing your strategy. 

Here’s a guide on how to analyze Instagram insights and metrics effectively:

1. Accessing Instagram Insights

access Instagram insight
access Instagram insight

  • To access Instagram insights, you need to have an Instagram business account.
  • Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
  • Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner to open the menu.
  • Select “Insights” to access your account’s analytics.

2. Understanding Overview Metrics

  • The Overview section provides a snapshot of key metrics for the past seven days, such as impressions, reach profile views, website clicks, and follower demographics.
  • Impressions: The total number of times your posts have been seen.
  • Reach: The number of unique accounts that have seen your posts.
  • Profile Views: The number of times your profile has been viewed.
  • Website Clicks: The number of times users clicked on the link in your profile.

3. Exploring Content Metrics

  • In the Content section, you can analyze the performance of individual posts and stories.
  • Engagement: Measure the total interactions on your posts, including likes, comments, saves, and shares.
  • Reach and Impressions: Understand how many unique accounts your posts reached and how many times they were viewed.
  • Stories: Analyze metrics like impressions, exits, and taps forward/backward to evaluate the performance of your stories.

4. Analyzing Audience Insights

  • The Audience section provides valuable demographic data about your followers.
  • Follower Demographics: Understand the age range, gender distribution, and top locations of your followers.
  • Active Hours: Identify the days and times when your followers are most active on Instagram.
  • Follower Growth: Monitor changes in your follower count over time.

5. Tracking Profile Interactions

  • Analyze metrics related to your profile and website clicks.
  • Profile Visits: Measure the number of times users visited your profile.
  • Website Clicks: Evaluate the effectiveness of your website link by tracking the number of clicks.

By regularly analyzing Instagram insights and metrics, you can gain valuable insights into your audience’s preferences, optimize your content strategy, and achieve better results on the platform.

Learn And Adopt

Continuing to learn and adapt is another factor for long-term success to make money on Instagram. The platform is constantly evolving, and staying updated with new features, trends, and best practices is essential. 

Here’s a breakdown of why continuous learning and adaptation are important and how to approach them:

1. Staying Current with Platform Changes

  • Instagram regularly introduces updates, algorithm changes, and new features that can impact your content’s performance.
  • Stay informed about these changes by following official Instagram channels, industry blogs, and relevant social media publications.
  • Attend webinars, workshops, or conferences focused on Instagram marketing to gain insights from industry experts.

2. Monitoring Industry and Artistic Trends

  • Stay connected with the art community and follow influencers, galleries, and other artists in your niche.
  • Observe emerging trends, techniques, and styles within the art world. Adapt your content strategy to align with current trends while maintaining your unique artistic voice.

3. Seeking Inspiration and Learning Opportunities

  • Look beyond Instagram for inspiration and knowledge.
  • Explore art exhibitions, workshops, conferences, or art-related courses to expand your artistic skills and stay inspired.
  • Follow industry influencers, art blogs, and educational platforms to access valuable resources and tutorials.

4. Networking and Collaboration

  • Build relationships with fellow artists, influencers, and art communities.
  • Collaborate on projects, cross-promote each other’s work, or participate in joint exhibitions.
  • Engaging in networking opportunities can help you expand your reach, gain exposure, and learn from others in the industry.

Remember, learning and adaptation are ongoing processes. Stay curious, be open to experimentation, and be willing to adapt your strategies.

By continuously learning and adapting, you can position yourself for long-term success and stay ahead of the competition.

The Bottom Line 

So that’s the end of this movie to make money as an artist on Instagram.

Can you imagine how much you know now from this article? If so, you can sell your artwork to whoever you want and succeed in this game.

Go ahead, take action, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts. I am always open to you to help, find freedom and happiness in life.

Never forget to tell me what should I add, and how can I make this post more helpful for you because it’s your spot.

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